'Vegas-Style' Illusions Take Center Stage In New Production At Quassy's Carousel Theatre

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Jim Sisti has a knack for making things disappear. After all, he's a master magician with more up his sleeve than the usual card tricks and a bouquet of colorful handkerchiefs.

Now in his 12th season at Quassy Amusement & Waterpark in Middlebury, Conn., Jim is presenting an entirely new show with wife, Sandy, assisting in 20-minute act.

"We have a five-part show that is very theatrical," he said of the 2014 performances staged at Quassy's Carousel Theatre. "There's something big in the beginning and end with 'buffer' acts in the middle that include audience participation."

And when Jim talks "big," he means some "Vegas-style" illusions that have never been seen at Quassy and - perhaps - not even in Connecticut.

"Last year we had a pretty spectacular show," he asserted. "That made it very challenging for us to come up with something equally as good if not better for this season."

The couple, who reside in nearby Beacon Falls, Conn., have put together a set of illusions that baffle young and old.

While Jim is the front man in show, Sandy seemingly appears out of nowhere in the opening "fire cage" act that is a jaw-dropper for those in the audience. "We've had pretty good response to it," Jim recently said of the illusion. "We try to ramp up the show, and this opening act does it."

And just when the audience is getting acquainted with Sandy, Jim rolls out what is known as the "Jam Illusion" by world-renown illusionist Rand Woodbury.

This is one of those "have to see it to believe it" stunts that leaves the audience totally mesmerized. Many end up scratching their heads, wondering what on Earth happened to Sandy inside a shrinking black box. Audience Participation:

The production then takes on a lighter side as Jim invites youngsters onstage for what are known as the "cue card" and "magic pouch" tricks.`

It's an important part of the act, especially at a family park such as Quassy.

"Parents want to see their kids up on the stage," the magician said. "And with all of us in the social networking age, the videos and still shots parents take during the show end up on their social media pages."

Jim and Sandy go out with a bang - so to speak - with an act known as the "Flatman" or "Human Wringer" illusion. But with Sandy getting stuck in the huge wringer machine, perhaps the better name would be the "Flat Woman."

"It's really an act with some history - an old show called the 'rabbit wringer' years ago," Jim said of the finale.

The choreographed act has Sandy falling into a box and Jim closing the lid without realizing she is trapped inside. He starts to turn the large set of rollers facing the audience and a paper-thin Sandy appears as the product of his labors.

And as any good magician would attest: if you want to see how it turns out (no pun intended), you'll have to see the live show!

Jim and Sandy Sisti will be performing at Quassy Carousel Theatre stage on selected dates throughout the 2014 season. Call the park office at 203-758-2913 for show dates and times and visit http://www.quassy.com for a complete schedule of special events.